Comparison

MV08 vs Pianoteq 8

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

MV08

This app is a modern digital drum machine for iPhone and iPad, inspired by a classic hardware unit. It offers a vast library of sampled sounds, a powerful sequencer with deep step editing, and extensive pattern management capabilities for creating complex rhythms and loops.

Highlights
  • Over 218 sampled drum sounds
  • Deep step editing for dynamic rhythms
  • 128 pattern slots
  • Master EQ and distortion
  • Audiobus and Ableton Link compatible
  • Record and export master output
Features
Read full description

Introducing MV08, a new drum machine for iPhone and iPad. Inspired by one of the greatest drum machines of all time. Re-imagined with a modern touchscreen workflow. SOUND ARCHITECTURE The MV08 features over 200 16bit 44.1k wav files that have been faithfully sampled from one of the most important drum machines in history. (featuring 60 samples for the kick drum alone!). On top of the original voice controls we have added Pan, Pitch and two editable send effects per voice, along with a master 3 band EQ and Distortion. A POWERFUL SEQUENCER Keeping the classic XOX style sequencer from the original, we have added in some powerful updates bringing it into the 21st century: All of the voice controls can now be sequenced per step, giving you limitless freedom and possibilities to create evolving and innovative rhythms (not to mention killer bass lines!). Each pattern can be 1-64 steps long and played at either a 16 or 32 step resolution – giving you endless options to create complex time signatures and long evolving loops. FUN WITH PATTERNS There are 8 banks of 16 patterns giving you a total of 128 user patterns to play with, ensuring you don’t run out of space when inspiration strikes. We’ve created a separate demo bank to get you started featuring some classic rhythms from time gone by. You can even record the master output and export to your favourite DAW. FEATURES: - Over 218 rich 16 bit 44.1k wav samples - 60 individual samples for the kick drum alone - Additional pan, pitch and 2 x send effects per drum - Deep step editing to create dynamic and evolving rhythms - Master distortion and eq - Choose between 16 and 32 step resolution - Change the amount of steps for interesting time signatures - 128 pattern slots - Record and share your sets - Audiobus, Inter app audio and Ableton Link compatibility

About

Pianoteq 8

This virtual instrument uses advanced physical modeling to generate realistic sounds for a wide range of instruments, including pianos, electric pianos, and guitars. It offers compact file sizes and faithful sound reproduction, making it ideal for musicians on the go. Connect a MIDI device and start playing, or use it as a plugin in other music applications.

Highlights
  • Physical modeling sound generation
  • Simulates pianos, electric pianos, guitars, and more
  • Realistic playability
  • Compact file size
  • Works as a plugin
  • MIDI device compatible
Features
Read full description

PIANOTEQ: THE ULTIMATE VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT Pianoteq is an award-winning virtual instrument that simulates a wide range of instruments including pianos, electric pianos, harpsichords, vibraphones, guitars, steel drums, and more, using advanced physical modeling. Unlike traditional virtual instruments that use recorded sounds, Pianoteq generates sounds in real-time by calculating the physics of how strings vibrate and how the soundboard radiates sound. Why Pianoteq Stands Out: - Realistic Playability: By modeling the physical properties of instruments, Pianoteq replicates the playability and complex behavior of real acoustic instruments. - Compact Size: Without large samples, Pianoteq's file size is much smaller than other virtual instruments, making it ideal for your iOS device. Trusted by the Best: Steinway, KAWAI, Bösendorfer, C. Bechstein, Petrof, Steingraeber, Grotrian, Blüthner, and Hohner have all endorsed Pianoteq for its faithful sound reproduction. Getting Started: - Connect a MIDI device to your iPad/iPhone. - Launch Pianoteq. - Start playing! Pianoteq also works as a plugin in any Audio Unit host application, such as GarageBand, AUM, Cubasis, Camelot, and more. Note: All instruments run in demo mode (with some keys disabled) until you purchase a Pianoteq STAGE license (unlocks two instruments) or link to an existing Pianoteq user account with a valid license. Licenses purchased on the App Store are valid across other supported platforms (macOS, Windows, Linux).

Screenshots

MV083 screens
Pianoteq 83 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Pianoteq 8 at Free against MV08's $3.99. Pianoteq 8 also leads on ratings volume (133 vs 20). MV08's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 10) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On rating, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Pianoteq 8 is free to download; MV08 costs $3.99 up front. Pianoteq 8 sells 10 one-off in-app purchases. MV08 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

On the App Store both sit at effectively the same score — 4.5 for MV08 against 4.6 for Pianoteq 8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Pianoteq 8 has 133 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews are what separate them: 83% of MV08's written reviews are positive against 74% of Pianoteq 8's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

MV08 ships an update every 3 weeks, Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 2, 2026 and November 3, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard6 real differences · 4 level
MV08 versus Pianoteq 8: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterMV08Pianoteq 8
Price$3.99Free — better
Rating4.5 (20 ratings)4.6 (133 ratings) — better
Positive reviews82.6% of reviews — better73.6% of reviews
Number of ratings20133 — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 2 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.4 — better13.0
Further details — not scored
Size103 MB54 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperJames MiltonModartt

Customer experience

MV08

All ratings20 ratings
Positive85.0%
Neutral10.0%
Negative5.0%
Written reviews23 reviews
Positive82.6%
Neutral8.7%
Negative8.7%

Pianoteq 8

All ratings133 ratings
Positive89.5%
Neutral2.3%
Negative8.3%
Written reviews91 reviews
Positive73.6%
Neutral4.4%
Negative22.0%

Bugs and requests

MV08

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

Pianoteq 8

Reported bugs

8 issues
  • Some keys do not work
  • Significant latency issues
  • Cannot activate due to missing serial number
  • Stuttering audio on iOS
  • App not updated for new iOS
Show 3 more
  • Impossible to order from App Store
  • Bug in purchase through App Store
  • MIDI file saving not working

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add Yamaha p125 instrument
  • iPad only version
  • Add second row of keyboard
  • Increase/decrease number of visible keys

In-app purchases

None

MV08

No in-app purchases

10 purchases

Pianoteq 8

One-time10
  • Use existing licenceFree
  • Upgrade to latest version$29.99
  • Electric Pianos$49.99
Show 7 more
  • Hohner Collection$49.99
  • Classical Guitar$49.99
  • Grand Shigeru Kawai SK-EX$49.99
  • Grand Bösendorfer 280VC$49.99
  • Stage to Standard$129.99
  • Standard to Pro$129.99
  • Pianoteq STAGE$139.00

Questions

Is MV08 free?
MV08 costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Pianoteq 8 free?
Pianoteq 8 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, MV08 or Pianoteq 8?
Pianoteq 8 is rated higher. MV08 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 20 ratings, while Pianoteq 8 averages 4.6 from 133 ratings.
Do MV08 or Pianoteq 8 have ads?
Neither MV08 nor Pianoteq 8 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, MV08 or Pianoteq 8?
MV08 ships an update every 3 weeks, and Pianoteq 8 every 2 months. Most recently, MV08 was updated on November 2, 2026 and Pianoteq 8 on November 3, 2026.

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